Easy Blank Wall Solutions

Pattern on platters

An assortment of bargain-priced white platters discovered at a discount store becomes lively art when adorned with boldly patterned wallpaper (any decorative papers would work). Size and cut wallpaper to fit the center flat areas of each platter, leaving a wide rim as the frame. Use spray adhesive to affix the cutouts. Group the platters, and display on the wall using wire plate hangers.

Butterfly beauties

Real specimens cost hundreds, but you can replicate this trendy, nature-inspired look on a budget. Cut butterflies that coordinate with your room color from old butterfly photography books, garden magazines or calendars. If necessary, use a color copier to adjust size or to make multiples. Pin faux "specimens" to foam-core board cut to fit in inexpensive shadowbox frames. Gently fold the wings forward for a realistic look.

Torn-paper abstracts

Layer art and/or scrapbooking papers with torn edges for the modern look of horizons depicting sea, land and sky. Tear uneven widths, and vary the color order. For impact, tightly group four ready-made crafts store frames with mats.

Wallpaper chalkboard paint stencil

Use chalkboard paint to create change-your-mind wallpaper by repeating stencil shapes. We chose a regimented pattern of tropical leaves, but the only limit on the look is your imagination. Keeping the chalk above a chair rail reduces the chance of smudges. Buy stencils at crafts stores. The background color in our photo is Benjamin Moore 2147-30 Jalapeño Pepper.

Show-off boxes

Display trip souvenirs with these shadow boxes. Cut out maps of your vacation spot and mount to the back of the box. Fill with souvenir buttons, wine corks, concert tickets and other vacation keepsakes.

Repeating symmetry

Create modern art by grouping similar items. We chose balls of twine for their neutral color, texture and 3-D effect. Each ball hangs on a long nail driven into the wall (or into a sheet of painted plywood if you want fewer holes in the wall).

Office silhouettes

Create art from everyday objects. We used clothespins for this quirky art project, but other small, heavy objects, like keys or tools, will work. Choose a series of frames and a background color. Artfully arrange your objects on paperboard and lightly spray paint to create silhouettes of the items.

Musical touch

Rescued antiques

Transform an old quilt or a vintage cross-stitch into a unique hanging display. Hanging tip: Trace the frames onto crafts paper and cut out. Tape the pieces to the wall and try different groupings until you find the best arrangement.

Framed souvenirs with chalkboard paint

For art that acts as a memory keeper, remove the glass of readymade frames and paint the backboard with blue chalkboard paint (this color is Benjamin Moore 2057-40 Ash Blue). Hot-glue on found vacation treasures. Label them with state names or personal notes written in chalk to identify where or how you found each item.

Winged beauties

Refurbish old dishes with fresh paint and a striking silhouette. Print and cut out an animal or image. Secure outline using tape or a small heavy object. Spray paint over silhouette items. We chose a bright matte pink to coordinate with the furniture.

Button up

Color a collection

What a little spray paint can do! Choose a single standout hue to turn a jumbled collection of garage sale finds into a unified display for a wall, mantel or shelf.

Start with a group of related (but not necessarily matching) items. You could use a pile of old brass candlesticks, a menagerie of kitschy animal figures or a stack of tarnished trays. Our pick: a variety of dinged-up kitchen gear from antiques and thrift stores. Remove dirt and dust with a damp cloth. Spray on primer, then apply the final color with a light back and forth motion for even coverage. You may need a couple coats for rich, uniform color. (We used Krylon indoor/outdoor Cherry Red paint in gloss, krylon.com).

Paint a focal point

For an easy focal point, paint an accent color on a section of wall directly above a mantel. Here, the sky blue above the mantel complements the pear green and natural neutral tan elsewhere in the room for a tranquil palette.

Map-tastic decor

For bargain wallpaper, cover an accent wall with pages pulled from atlases. Starting in the middle of the wall, apply one page using decoupage adhesive. Repeat, overlapping edges, until the wall is covered.

For a similar yet temporary effect, decoupage pages to large plywood or foam-core boards, and hang or lean them against a wall.